Movie spotlight
Don Pasquale - Palais Garnier
“Foolish indeed is he who marries in old age.” Thus ends Don Pasquale: with a wise dictum not lacking in irony that sums up the disappointments of its hero, a rich bachelor keen to marry who is deceived by his nephew Ernesto and his young bride-to-be Norina. First performed in Paris in 1843, at the turning point of several eras, Don Pasquale, a composite and varied work, is the apotheosis of opera buffa. Performed for the first time at the Paris Opera, the production has been entrusted to the Italian director, Damiano Michieletto, who transports us directly to the sincerity and dramatic splendour at the heart of an apparently light‑hearted work.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this comedic opera, the aging bachelor Don Pasquale is tricked by his servant into marrying a young woman, Norina, who is secretly in love with his nephew. The marriage contract quickly turns into a nightmare for Pasquale as Norina proceeds to spend his fortune lavishly and dominate his life. His nephew and Norina then orchestrate a plan to convince Pasquale that she has a secret lover, leading him to desperately seek a divorce.
Critical Reception
The 2018 Palais Garnier production of Don Pasquale, directed by Damiano Michieletto, was generally well-received for its energetic and modern interpretation. Critics praised the vibrant stage direction, the witty updating of the libretto to a more contemporary setting, and the strong vocal performances from the cast, particularly the principals. The production successfully balanced the opera's buffo elements with a touch of pathos.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its witty, modern staging and energetic direction.
Commended for strong vocal performances, especially from the leads.
Successfully captured both the humor and the underlying emotional complexity of the opera.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific live opera recording is not widely available through general search, making it difficult to summarize specific audience likes or dislikes.
Fun Fact
Damiano Michieletto's production notably updates the setting and costumes, bringing the 19th-century comic opera into a more contemporary, almost 21st-century context, which some critics found refreshing while others preferred a more traditional approach.
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